Oxford or Cambridge: Where do I Apply?!

Nearly all the colleges at oxford are within 30mins walk of the medical faculty, so don't worry about that, I would choose one you liked the look of because it doesn't really matter too much and everyone ends up loving their college.

I think you should apply to the one you liked more, you have relatively similar UMS and GCSEs in terms of how they would look at them so I would focus on acing the BMAT, but I think you would almost definitely get an interview at cambridge, they interview nearly everyone, but oxford throws lots of people out after the BMAT before interview.

Also I think they calculate the UMS differently if you do further maths too, but I don't know the specifics.

Good luck, sorry I can't be more helpful.

I'd apply to Oxford if I were you because:
• They look at GCSEs more and yours are very impressive
• They do not ask for UMS averages and yours aren't as high as other Cambridge applicants ~95% UMS average
• Both are equally respected so it doesn't really matter which one you go to and you'll be more likely to get into Oxford

+ Maths and Further Maths are put together into one subject so the 2 UMS scores are averaged and counted as one subject

Hope this helped

Thanks man, appreciate it. I was swaying to Oxford as well due to my UMS So do you think dropping just Physics is better or dropping both physics and further maths for A2?

I can handle 4, but if they only need 3, what the point in doing 4 right? its unnecessary workload, it would be better if I did 3 and gave 100% concentration to those right?

Hi There,

Recently I just got my AS results and well, I need some help. I am applying for medicine. At GCSE I have 11 A*'s, 2 A's and a B. At AS I have 5 A's. I took Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths and Further Maths. Firstly, I want to know if I applied to Cambridge, how would my average UMS be calculated. Basically, my percentages aren't amazing. The average of all 5 is 87%. However, I have heard that they take your average from the 3 most relevant. So If an average was taken from Chemistry, Biology and Maths I would have an average of 91%. Although this isn't incredible, it would give me a fighting shot at Cambridge So could some please clarify what UMS figures would Cambridge see if I applied there?

Can some please suggest a college that is at a walkable distance from the medical teaching facility (30 mins walk max) has nice food and nice accommodation with a good gym and sports facilities please.

I can handle 4, but if they only need 3, what the point in doing 4 right? its unnecessary workload, it would be better if I did 3 and gave 100% concentration to those right?

I think in your situation, Oxford might be the slightly better option. Although I do personally think that your profile isn't great for either.

Oxford select for interview based on GCSE and BMAT. So you will need to get a good BMAT score.

Oxford don't care about your grades once you meet the requirements - there are so many myths about this it's unreal, i know this for a fact as my dad was having a yearly dinner with some of the deans of admissions and some of his peers from merton college (oxford) - and this topic was discussed. Once the grade requirements are met they care more about your life, are you well rounded? are you social? what skills can you contribute to oxford? will they benefit from taking you? are you really interested in the subject which you've chosen to study? Sure having A*/A's is favourable but after meeting the grade requirements other factors are more weighted.

go to the university you most prefer not because how much easier it is to get in

Tough decision... you probably have a better shot at Oxford, though Oxford has far more applicants per place and your GCSEs still aren't that great.

Some key differences to consider are that: Cambridge there is no chance (or risk) of going to London, Cambridge has a far bigger year group and far more medics in each college, Cambridge has more variety in 3rd year, Cambridge does more anatomy and pharmacology compared to Oxford's biochemistry and physiology.



Literally all Oxford colleges are within 20 mins walk of the medical teaching centre. The closest ones (5-8 mins walk) are gonna be Keble, Catz, Merton (Holywell accommodation). Also LMH, Trinity, Balliol, John's, Somerville... remember to consider whether the college offers 3 years accommodation or not, and where that accommodation actually is (might not be on college site).



I appreciated having 4 so I could mess one up and still get in. No need to take 4 if you don't want to though no.

As a current cambridge medic, I would say doing 4 A2s is a better option. It would demonstrate that you can handle a higher workload and increase your odds of getting an interview/offer. It is true that the offers listed on Oxford/cambridge websites is for 3 A-levels but that is because 3 is the national average. Most Oxbridge applicants (and certainly offer holders) would have 4 A-levels, some even with 5. Plus it would look slightly strange if you dropped 2 subjects.


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Hey! Cmabridge personally look at your A levels more in opposition to your GCSE grades. Cambridge is 2nd in the world and the best in the country

Thanks for the help guys, as well as the tough criticism :') I think Oxford is looking likely. I don't think I'm in that bad a position am I?

I'm thinking of applying to Worcester as recommended by a friend. Any opinions on that? Thanks for the help guys, keep it coming :P

No. Its just that Oxford is very competitive. No one is in a 'good' position really, at least until you know the BMAT score.



Worcester's nice - its the most applied to college for a reason. What are you looking for in a college? Maybe take a look at the 'which college' thread in the Oxford forum if you want advice (i.e. mostly people telling you to apply to their college). I wouldn't overly stress about college choice unless you have very specific requirements.